Post-WW2 Treatment of Dutch Soldiers Who Fought for Germany
In the aftermath of World War II, a significant number of Dutch soldiers who fought for Germany faced severe social and legal consequences in their homeland. This article explores the intense backlash these individuals experienced, including the loss of voting rights and pensions, and how historical narratives have shaped the perception of those who collaborated with the Germans.
The Contempt and Social Exclusion
After the war, returning Dutch soldiers who fought for the German side were treated with profound contempt. Their collaboration with the Germans was seen as a breach of national loyalty and a personal shame. As a result, these individuals lost their voting rights and, in some cases, even their pensions. The societal attitude towards them reflected the widespread belief that such actions were unpardonable. It is believed that the loss of voting rights and pensions served not only as a punishment but also as a deterrent to prevent such actions in the future.
The Assimilation Efforts
While the government did not impose harsh legal punishments, there were attempts to reintegrate some of these soldiers into society. It was proposed that they could regain their citizenship and social standing by serving in the Dutch army as part of the efforts to reclaim the Dutch East Indies. However, the period of service was long and arduous, as they endured multiple years of military duty in a distant and challenging region. Many of these soldiers, if they managed to survive, continued to be viewed with suspicion and disdain.
Legal and Social Penalties
About 6,800 individuals returned from their foreign military service and faced legal penalties. They were convicted of engaging in foreign military service and usually received prison sentences ranging from 5 to 10 years. This level of punishment underscored the severity of the ethical and moral judgment levied against them. The fate of the remaining individuals is uncertain, with much of their stories lost to history, likely indicating that many perished on the Eastern Front or were left behind in Germany after the war.
Current Perception and Its Implications
Even in the present day, the legacy of collaboration with the Germans during World War II remains a sensitive and contentious issue. The use of the term “NSB’er” (member of the National Socialist Movement in the Netherlands) still carries a significant stigma, akin to a social ostracism. This legacy has deeply influenced societal attitudes and the way historical narratives are constructed and remembered in the Netherlands. The continued disdain for those who served under the German banner is a testament to the enduring impact of World War II on Dutch national identity.
In conclusion, the treatment of Dutch soldiers who fought for Germany post-WWII reveals the complex interplay of social, legal, and ethical considerations in the aftermath of war. It highlights the lasting impact of historical events on national consciousness and the ways in which collective memory can shape individual and collective identities.